Former Eau Claire Express standout starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is scheduled to make his Major League debut tonight as his Washington Nationals host the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Zimmermann, a month shy of his 23rd birthday, will become the 53rd Northwoods League alumnus to appear in the Major Leagues and the first pitcher to make his debut as a starter since Casey Janssen of the Blue Jays in April of 2006.

The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two players for 2009. Junior outfielders Ryan Durant of the University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) and Chris Murrill of Nicholls State University (Thibodaux, LA) have committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.

The Waterloo Bucks announced the signing of Creighton freshman C.J. Rose. The 6'2", 185-pound pitcher/outfielder joins fellow Creighton pitcher Bob Lackovic for the Bucks 15th season of play.

The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced the signing of Mitch Karraker, a 6’1” 175-pound sophomore catcher from the University of Oregon. Currently Karraker is hitting .245 with 7 doubles and 13 RBI.

With the signing of Texas A&M freshman pitcher Denny Clement, the Madison Mallards roster now boasts a pair of Aggies for the first time in the franchise’s nine-year history. A four-year letterwinner at Cascia Hall Prep. School (Tulsa, Okla.), Clement compiled a 39-8 career record on the mound with 457 strikeouts in 298 innings of work. As a senior he earned All-America honors from Louisville Slugger and MaxPreps after going 9-1 with a 0.42 ERA. He also led the area with 142 strikeouts, earning Tulsa Metro Pitcher of the Year and conference MVP. A standout three-sport athlete, Clement was an Oklahoma All-State selection at running back in leading the Commandos to the 2007 OSSAA Class 2A State Championship that same year. On the wrestling mat he was a three-time individual state champion, claiming titles in 2006, ’07, and ’08. Clement was selected in the 39th round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics.

The Thunder Bay Border Cats of the Northwoods League announced today the signing of four pitchers for the 2009 season. Joining the pitching staff will be lefthander Tyler Powell and righthanders Christian Dekker, Matthew Singer, and Drew Erwin.

The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club announced the signing of three assistant coaches for the 2009 season. Kurt Elbin of Thiel College (Greenville, PA), Jason Belk of St. Ambrose University (Davenport, IA), and Ryan Ruiz of Central Arizona College (Coolidge, AZ) will be joining new field manager Mike Orchard on the MoonDogs bench.

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Jaramillo (HAHR-uh-mee-oh) made his Major League debut Thursday afternoon in a 6-3 loss to the Houston Astros at PNC Park. The former St. Cloud River Bat started at catcher and went 1-for-3 after not seeing any game action in Pittsburgh’s first eight contests of the season. Jaramillo made the team out of spring training as the backup to regular catcher Ryan Doumit. Jaramillo, a switch-hitter, pulled a fourth-inning single to right field in his second at-bat against Houston starter Russ Ortiz to pick up his first Major League hit.

Over the last 3 months, as part of their commitment to being an active and loyal partner in the community, the Bullfrogs have taken an active approach to provide some relief to families facing financial struggles. If you remember, in February the team offered buy a 10-pack of Reserve tickets receive a 6-pack of Reserve tickets free and in March, the offer was buy two Leinies Fan Deck passes and receive two free.

Green Bay Bullfrogs’ Owner Jeff Royle announced the signings of Alex Schmarzo, Daniel Torrente and Sam VandenHeuvel to the 2009 squad today.